CAREER
“Business schools have adopted creative approaches to building the soft skills and leadership potential of their MBA students.”
losophy, EDHEC professors integrate ethics into their courses. Tis has the effect of enabling debates to arise, such as in an accounting session during a financial scan- dal that raises questions about trans- parency and accountability. “In our ultra-connected society, it is a luxury to take the time to ask fundamental ques- tions,” insists Ms Sisto, who aspires to “give senior managers this habit of reflec- tion”. As worthwhile as it is, taking the time to
reflect can really be a luxury with the pressing timelines and quick, smart deci- sions that are the daily routine of business leaders. Practising in a controlled and safe environment is a unique opportunity to find your true limits and authentic style.
Empower yourself with your authentic style
In business schools across Europe, experi- ential learning of leadership growth through off-campus activities is a common practice. HEC Paris (France) holds regular leadership classes and one of the most in- novative is a two-day seminar with the French Army. Te seminar has been so successful that it is now compulsory for both full-time and part-time MBA stu- dents. Tey are taken for a two-day off- campus activity at the Saint-Cyr Military Academy. Trough various field exercises, such as leading a group of people across a river, participants put their decision-mak- ing and leadership skills to the test. In another part of Europe, MBA stu-
dents of the Cass Business School (UK) faced an exhausting physical challenge climbing one of Iceland’s most spectacular
glaciers, Mt Eyjafallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010, covering Europe with clouds of dust and bringing the conti- nent to a standstill. “Resilience, determina- tion, collaboration and personal leadership are sought-after qualities in MBA gradu- ates,” says Dr Sionade Robinson, associate dean. “Students needed to be physically and psychologically prepared for this activ- ity. Te Cass MBA Leadership Expedition was designed to challenge them – half of the climb was on the glacier and required special glacier safety measures and equip- ment.” Dr Robinson explains that partici- pants have shared that they have benefited both personally and professionally from this exciting, challenging and exclusive leadership development experience and gained insights into the importance of tim- ing, decision-making, and leadership skills. As an alternative to extreme outdoor ad-
ventures, MBA participants can be chal- lenged for self-discovery by more artistic exercises such as dance, painting or even meditation. Teatre workshops develop public speaking potential, negotiating skills and the channelling of emotions. “We remain on the professional field,” shares Jacques Digout, professor in digital marketing at Toulouse Business School. “Te aim is to see how these techniques can be used for educating managers to take distance and manage stress.” Indeed, MBA programmes are truly
challenging on multiple levels but the good news is that you can choose the transfor- mational approach that suits you best.
16 FOCUS The Magazine November/December 2019
Nikolina Ruskova is the international project manager at Advent Group. She can be reached at
n.ruskova@
adventgroup.net. The Access MBA Tour is a series of one-to-one events that connects qualified MBA candidates with Admission Directors during personal, one-to-one meetings in over 60 cities around the world:
www.accessmba.com/events/city/london
www.focus-info.org
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